KTT Mallo vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and SP-Star Meteor White offer unique experiences for typists. The KTT Mallo is hailed for its subtle tactility and medium-light typing feel, providing just the right amount of feedback without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White is known for its subdued linear design, offering a soft and gentle typing experience with a pitter-patter sound profile. Both switches are categorized as mild and neutral, making them suitable for a variety of typing environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo and SP-Star Meteor White both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Mallo and Meteor White opt for nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature and sound-absorbing capabilities. While the top and bottom housing materials for these switches differ, the impact of each material on the overall sound and feel of the switch is split between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, although the KTT Mallo and SP-Star Meteor White have different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both provide unique sound profiles based on the properties of the materials used. The polycarbonate top housing of the Mallo offers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor White creates a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring a more rounded sound overall. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, both switches have an unknown actuation force, but the Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams. This makes the Mallo slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force compared to the Meteor White. The actuation force being unknown for both switches means that they may provide a similar typing experience in terms of force needed to trigger a keystroke. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing between these switches, as a lighter force may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier force may offer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the typing experience and key feel will be similar between the two switches. Overall, both switches offer a consistent travel distance for users to enjoy.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
The SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, both the KTT Mallo and SP-Star Meteor White switches have a similar neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of environments. The Mallo maintains a balanced tone that neither overpowers nor fades into the background, while the Meteor White offers a gentle pitter-patter sound that is subdued and not too distracting. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific setup of your keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch provides a feathery, mild typing experience that is comfortable for extended use. It offers a subtle tactility that is gentle on the fingers, reducing fatigue and strain during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a polished, mild typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Its light actuation force and smooth key travel make it a pleasant choice for those looking for a gentle typing experience.
Overall, both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch provide a comfortable and versatile typing experience. While the Mallo excels in its subtle tactility and balanced sound profile, the Meteor White offers a polished typing experience with a subdued sound. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences for tactility and sound, as well as the specific setup of your keyboard. Either way, you can expect a pleasant typing experience from both of these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Mallo if you prefer a switch with a subtle tactile bump that provides feedback without being overpowering. The Mallo's medium-light typing feel and neutral sound signature make it a versatile choice for various typing environments. On the other hand, opt for the Meteor White if you prefer a gentle linear switch that is easy to push and offers a soft sound profile. The Meteor White's medium-light bottom out force and subdued sound make it a great option for those looking for a quiet typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a tactile feedback or a smooth linear action, as well as your preference for sound profile and typing feel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, so choose the one that best suits your personal preferences and typing style.
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